Glendale neighborhood reacts to new details in missing girl case

Residents in a Glendale neighborhood where a 5-year-old girl went missing last month don’t know what to believe now that her mother has been arrested on charges of child abuse, according to police on Monday.

Jhessye Shockley vanished from the area of 45 ^th and Glendale avenues.

During a press conference Monday , Glendale police spokesman Brent Coombs confirmed Jhessye’s mother, Jerice Hunter, was taken into custody on child abuse charges "directly related to Jhessye" and "recent abuse."

Coombs also said it is unlikely the girl will be found alive.

Neighbors said they don’t want to believe the girl is dead.

“I’m still holding out hope until we find her,” said Kathy White who is like many area neighbors who have handed out fliers, held candlelight vigils, and even went door to door to try to find Jhessye. 

That was before Monday’s arrest.  “If she did it she deserves what she gets,” she said. “If she didn’t do it they should let her go.”

Police and FBI agents spent the day at Jhessye’s apartment searching inside and out.  Forensic technicians suited up and went inside the unit with high tech equipment looking for clues. 

It was the same scene as the days after Jhessye went missing six weeks ago. 

But missing now are the concerned citizens taking to the streets.  The only ones holding a vigil Monday night were Jhessye’s family members and friends of the family.